Real Madrid and Roma open the International Champions Cup Australia in Melbourne as the two European giants lock horns at the MGC.
As part of the ICC, the two sides meet in what is expected to be a huge crowd in Melbourne.
This is Real Madrid’s first ever visit to Australia and is is taking the country by storm, with 200,000 tickets sold for its two games at the MGC.
The majority in attendance will be there to see the stars of the 10-time European champions, including Crisitano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
With a big Italian community in Melbourne, however, there will be plenty of Giallorossi fans at the game.
Francesco Totti says hello everyone! pic.twitter.com/nNj5gDVYAu
— Outside90 (@Outside90) July 17, 2015
Roma has only ever visited Australia on one other occasion, back in 1966 when it played eight games in the country. The game will be Rafael Benitez’s first match in charge of Real Madrid. The former Liverpool manager took over from Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian left the club at the end of last season.
Benitez did not, however, have a great farewell from his last club, Napoli, as he failed to guide the Italian side into the Champions League, losing 4-2 in an effective play-off against Lazio on the final day of the Serie A season.
Benitez played for Real Madrid’s Castilla side for the majority of his playing career and started his managerial career at Real Madrid B. One can assume it will be an emotional moment for Benitez when he takes charge of Real for the first time on Saturday evening.
Madrid fans will have a close eye on Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas. With club legend Iker Casillias leaving Madrid earlier in the summer and with no replacement brought in yet, Navas has a great opportunity to establish himself as Madrid’s number one throughout its time in Australia.
Much attention will also be on new signing Danilo. The Brazilian full-back is in line to make his debut for Real Madrid after completing a $46.5 million move to the Bernabeu from Portuguese side FC Porto.
Meanwhile, Australian teenager Daniel De Silva will be hoping for a dream debut for AS Roma in his home country. The ex-Perth Glory playmaker has been included in the Roma squad for the tournament and could be in line for his first start for his new club against Real.
Los Galacticos have an appealing record in recent friendlies, losing only five friendly matches. However, one of those losses was inflicted by Roma in the ICC last summer in Dallas. That game finished 1-0 with iconic Roma captain Francesco Totti, who is in the squad for the tournament, scoring the only goal of the game in America.
Ground level at the MCG for Real Madrid training! #ICCAustralia2015 https://t.co/UWVJanN1kX
— Outside90 (@Outside90) July 17, 2015
In their most recent competitive meeting, it was Roma who again came out on top. The Giallorossi won both legs of their round of 16 Champions League tie 2-1 against Real, despite legendary striker Raul scoring in both games for the Madrid side.
The first few games of any pre season is about fitness and trying out new combinations ahead of the season. This means neither side can be expected to play their best football.
The main priorities for Benitez and Roma manager Rudi Garcia will be escaping from the game injury free and getting a good hit-out for their teams.
Prediction: AS Roma 1-1 Real Madrid
Expected lineups
AS Roma: De Sanctiis (GK); Manolas, Castan, Torosidis, Yanga-Mbwia; De Rossi, Nainggolan, Keita; Pjanic, Gervinho, Totti.
Real Madrid: Navas; Danillo, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Bale, Ronaldo, Jese ; Benezma.
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To all those clueless clowns who still think Liverpool are not one off the biggest sporting clubs in the world well again here is even more evidence
Madrid vs Roma two power house names attracted apparently under 82 thousand people and you could still buy tickets to the game at the ground.
Liverpool football club played Melbourne Victory who no one outside of Australia would not even heard off ,that game was sold out in 75 MINUTES thsts 95 thousand plus people at the game..